Sunday, April 13, 2008

Big Upcoming Weekend-

This weekend, the AAU season officially kicked off with the Boo Williams event in Virginia. Next weekend, though, may be just as huge, if not bigger. April 18-20 will be a feast of talent with players from all over the nation. The Hoop Group's Pitt Jam Fest will be taking place, with some games being played at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, the Jordan Brand Classic will take place at Madison Square Garden. The Jordan game will feature 22 of America's best (uncommitted), and Tony Woods (Wake Forest). Ballers, including 17 members of the 2008 McDonald's All-American Game. The five guys who did not have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in Milwaukee but will be able to do so in New York are Devin Ebanks (uncommitted), Drew Gordon (UCLA), Delvon Roe (Michigan St.), Wesley Witherspoon. Ebanks and Roe are two of the premiere players in the nation, yet were ineligible for the McD's game. As well, the Jordan Classic has a Regional game with some of the best hoopsters in New York and New Jersey, two states full of talent. This game will include West Virginia-bound Darryl "Truck" Bryant, Drexel-commit Chris Fouch, Vanderbilt-signee Lance Goulbourne, future George Mason Patriot Ryan Pearson, and Florida-bound Erving Walker on the City Team. Meanwhile, the Suburban Team is absolutely loaded, with a roster that features future West Virginia Mountaineer Kevin Jones, Syracue-commit Mookie Jones, Marcus and Markieff Morris as well as Quintrell Thomas, three players who will be headed to the national champion Kansas Jayhawks, Seton Hall-signee Jordan Theodore, Stanford-committ Jarrett Mann, and soon-to-be Pitt Panther TravonWoodall. This game is absolutely stacked with talent, and may well be just as exciting as the All-American game.(NJ), NY Gauchos, Boo Williams (VA), Team The Pitt Jam Fest has numerous top-notch AAU teams making the trip to Pennsylvania for the major event. Included in the U-17 field will be DC Assault, Playaz (NJ), Team Final (PA), DC Blue Devils, Metro Hawks (NY), and numerous others. The U-16 level teams will include Playaz, Team NJ-ABC, Grassroots Canada and so many more. Squads playing at the U-15 level will be Team NJ-ABC, DC Assault, RBK All Stars (PA), and a bunch more. The talent on display at all three age levels will be absolutely phenomenal. Players such as Wally Judge (Kansas St.), Tamir Jackson (UAB), Doron Lamb (uncommitted), and Tristan Thompson (Texas) will showcase their abilities. The tournament should be awesome!People, get ready for a great weekend of basketball.

Note- photo on the top right is of Delvon Roe and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/Note- photo on the left is of Quintrell Thomas and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/Note- photo on the bottom right is of Tristan Thompson and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Note- Information is from http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/classic/, and http://www.hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/index.php